Greys Monument, Newcastle

Morisons this morning at 10.30am.  Quick turnaround when I got back home so I could get to Newcastle in time to join a Heritage Walk  organised by the City Guides.  It started at Greys Monument and the subject was " Markets Past and Present".

Grey's Monument is a Grade I listed monument to Charles Grey -  2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s and author of the Reform Bill of 1832. It was built in 1838 and consists of a statue of Lord Grey standing atop a 130-foot-high (40 m) column.  A spiral staircase of 134 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top of the monument, which is occasionally opened to the public.

As its a long way to the top of the monument I thought this blip might fit the theme for Wide Wednesday which is " LONG ". Thanks to BobsBlips for hosting

The Earl Grey blend of tea is named after Charles Grey.  He reputedly received a diplomatic gift of tea flavoured with bergamot oil. Earl Grey tea was a particular favourite of my late husband Douglas.

Musical link TEA For The Tillerman by Cat Stevens

The walk started in the Grainger Market and then we made our way around various parts of town where markets used to be set up in the past. 

When we got to George Scott Hairdressers the guide said we could all go inside. It was quite emotional for me to step inside this shop.  Its where Douglas used to go in his lunch hour to get his hair cut.  He got very friendly with the owner at that time - Mr Parker.  Whenever Becky and Neil needed a haircut when they were little we always went to this establishment at the same time as Douglas.  The place holds happy memories.  And it hasn't changed much inside since those days.  Still looks like an old fashioned Victorian barbers shop.  Old barbers chairs and sinks.  Old black telephone, old fashioned radiators and cabinets full of ancient shaving and hair stuff. See my Extra shot for a photo of the outside.

We finished the walk down on the Quayside.  It lasted 2.5 hrs and was very interesting. Good value for only £3.

I walked back into town and went to Wilkinsons for bird food.

Today would have been Douglas's 91st birthday.  I have added an Extra photo taken on his 60th birthday.  We were on holiday in Majorca and the hotel gave him a bottle of fizz to celebrate. 

Steps today - 10,577